"When I was 5 years old, my mother always told me happiness was the key to life. When I went to school, they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote down "happy." They told me I didn't understand the assignment, and I told them they didn't understand life." - John Lennon

When I was a little girl, I remember vividly being called "weird" by some fellow classmates because I was always happy. Of course half of the time I was probably smiling because I didn't understand what was going on. See, I moved to the United States at a young age from Spain and english was my second language. So, smiling was usually my way of getting through the conversation without asking a million times, "What the heck are you saying?" But after hearing the word, "weird" a few too many times, I finally asked my Mom what it meant. She replied, "It means you're special!" So naturally, I always made sure to thank my classmates when they called me "weird." They had no idea what to do with me.
I find that these days, people still don't always know what to do with me. I'm a happy person. My natural state of "being myself" is being pretty darn happy. I get excited about new ideas and challenges. I love meeting new people and connecting with their story. I'm passionate about my family, my friends and what I have chosen to do with my life. I enjoy helping the people I love and making them laugh. And lastly, it really gets me going when I create something. So as long as I'm doing any one of these things.......I'm happy.
A friend in College accused me of being "way too happy" as if it was a bad thing. Why is it that we live in a world where being happy is not possible or just weird? A place where if you are a happy or positive person, there must be a hidden darkness underneath. Or that somehow, you must be in denial if you are THAT happy. Of course we all have our moments. Let me tell you, it's not all cupcakes and roses over here. But generally, I'm happy. Why? Because I believe happiness is a choice.
I definitely get overwhelmed with my life and the many twists and turns it can bring, but everything is temporary. When I'm hit with one of these moments, I cry it out like the best of them. I get in a funk and I wallow in self pity. Then, I move on because that is the choice I WANT to make. I have little people that count on me to be my best self. And my "best self" is someone who forges ahead and takes the time to be grateful for the things that make me happy. I get to throw my noodles. I get to have ideas and face challenges. I get to meet people and listen to what they have to say. I get to be passionate about my family and friends. I get to live my dreams.
But most importantly, I get to create a life where I choose to make it "weird" and "way too happy." And that makes me happy :)
Throw those noodles and get happy.
I find that these days, people still don't always know what to do with me. I'm a happy person. My natural state of "being myself" is being pretty darn happy. I get excited about new ideas and challenges. I love meeting new people and connecting with their story. I'm passionate about my family, my friends and what I have chosen to do with my life. I enjoy helping the people I love and making them laugh. And lastly, it really gets me going when I create something. So as long as I'm doing any one of these things.......I'm happy.
A friend in College accused me of being "way too happy" as if it was a bad thing. Why is it that we live in a world where being happy is not possible or just weird? A place where if you are a happy or positive person, there must be a hidden darkness underneath. Or that somehow, you must be in denial if you are THAT happy. Of course we all have our moments. Let me tell you, it's not all cupcakes and roses over here. But generally, I'm happy. Why? Because I believe happiness is a choice.
I definitely get overwhelmed with my life and the many twists and turns it can bring, but everything is temporary. When I'm hit with one of these moments, I cry it out like the best of them. I get in a funk and I wallow in self pity. Then, I move on because that is the choice I WANT to make. I have little people that count on me to be my best self. And my "best self" is someone who forges ahead and takes the time to be grateful for the things that make me happy. I get to throw my noodles. I get to have ideas and face challenges. I get to meet people and listen to what they have to say. I get to be passionate about my family and friends. I get to live my dreams.
But most importantly, I get to create a life where I choose to make it "weird" and "way too happy." And that makes me happy :)
Throw those noodles and get happy.